Round about the late 90s I first came across a Queensland band called Pretty Violet Stain. They had a fantastic E.P. called 'If The Money's Right' that was filled with catchy ditties and a sound I hoped would one day take them to places most deserved of their ability. Sadly after a much delayed debut album (and just quietly disappointing as well) the band broke up and lead singer Shane Nicholson has been behind the eight ball career wise ever since.

Why have I dug up the ghosts of Mr. Kasey Chambers? Well when I layed ears on Sydney rock quintet Stone Parade I thought for a minute I was listening to that golden period of Pretty Violet Stain albeit with a tad more seriousness.

On their self titled Extended Play, Stone Parade display a confident, assured sound that has quite rightly seen them some nab juicy support slots in the past few years. The opening pair of tracks 'Revolution' and 'World You Know' both beg for radio play while 'Red Sky' demonstrates that stadiums could be on their venue list in the distant future.

The necessary ballad of 'In A Daze' recalls the college circuit vibe of Bangor, Maine strummer Howie Day and is destined to be included on an American teen soundtrack if sense has anything to do with it.

The final three tracks don't have the same quality and intensity as the others. 'Space Between Us' in particular sounds like mediocre 3 Doors Down and frankly these Aussie guys are better than their U.S. contemporaries. No songs about Superman here

Word has it that they are having a crack at the U.S. by living in Los Angeles. From everyone here back in Oz we wish you good luck and god speed, your sound should cream the modern Rock charts over there one day.